I've seen that there is a ring gear from the front diff of a late 90's early 2000's Kia SPORTAGE that is the same size as the Miata diffs, and swaps right in for a higher gear ratio. At this point I have not gone junkyard searching, I am just curious if anyone may have a Kia diff laying around, or if they even have a Miata diff swapped already, I would be interested in purchasing it.
2 six 7 nine oh 8 six 7 two 5
I just did a search on car-part for a "carrier" for a 1998 Sportage, distance from 17268, and there are quite a few hits.
Used to be that you could buy the gears brand new from Kia for $150.
I have one still in its Kia pumpkin (it bolts straight in to an RX-7 rearend)... but it'd probably be easier for you to buy local, or one already installed in a Miata case if you can find one.
Already installed in a Miata case would be sweet.
To be honest, part of why I ask if someone else has one is to make sure it's the correct gearset. I'd hate to drive to a junkyard for the wrong one.
I see you're in Ohio, I may be going through there at some point in the next few months, not sure yet. If you know that's the right one and are willing to part with it, I may be interested. Or if you feel like dismantling it to just ship the gearset, let me know, but I totally get if you don't feel like it. I'm not really in a rush here either.
Can you use the rx8 rear end gears? They are compatible with fd rx7 rear-end. The series 2 rx8 had a 4.77 ratio.
Edit.... looks like you need a 7" ring gear. Fd and rx8 are 8" ring gears
Sportage, not Sorento. Sorento didn't exist before 2002. Sportage was still of the Fozdia lineage using a lot of Mazda parts made in Korea
And you definitely want the FRONT because the rear was a weird 7.5" unit only used in trucks. It looks just like the 7" but is dimensionally contradictory.
Parts aren't going anywhere, and I am right off the turnpike.
bobzilla said:Sportage, not Sorento. Sorento didn't exist before 2002. Sportage was still of the Fozdia lineage using a lot of Mazda parts made in Korea
Ah, thanks. Edited my OP to correct that.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:Parts aren't going anywhere, and I am right off the turnpike.
Cool, I'll definitely keep that in mind if we manage to make this trip happen still.
In reply to AWSX1686 (Forum Supporter) :
Keep me up to date. I can give you just the ring and pinion or the entire diff center, which may make it easier for you to set it up in a Miata center.
Depending on your timing, I may be able to collect a center from you on your way out and have it set up for you on your way back.
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
Man, that's one heck of an offer. I appreciate it, especially since I've never setup a diff before.
I'll keep you posted, not really sure if we'll be able to make this trip happen or not yet.
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